God Is Design

Galeria Fortes Vilaça, one of São Paulo's most important galleries (which represents such art heavyweights as Os Gemeos and Vik Muniz), is breaking in its new Galpão Fortes Vilaça archival space this weekend with an internationally studded group show called "God Is Design" curated by P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center's Neville Wakefield.

The curator took cue from the industrial design of the building to inspire the theme of the show, one that harkens in idea to the ancient block structure Kaaba in Mecca that millions of Muslims make pilgrimages to each year. To that end, a roster of artists including Aleksandra Mir, John McCracken and Nuno Ramos are showing wildly different work in related thoughts: religious-slanted, inside vs. outside, natural vs. artificial and expression vs. constraint. Among the more interesting works is a concrete box that emits reactor sounds from Michael Sailstorfer, Guyton/Walker's coconut lamp and Abdel Abdessemed's title piece, an animation of compiled religious patterns.

Because the Galpão's primary purpose is to serve as a warehouse to hold the gallery's pieces, exhibits can be seen only by appointment outside of the openings.